Holness Calls For Labour Day Focus On Hurricane Readiness Across Jamaica

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is calling on Jamaicans to turn Labour Day into a day of community renewal while getting ready for the approaching hurricane season.

In his Labour Day message, Dr. Holness said the observance should reflect service, discipline and pride in country, with citizens joining efforts to restore and reinforce Jamaica.

He said Hurricane Melissa caused serious hardship across the country, noting that some households are still without electricity, adequate housing and reliable means of earning a living.

"In just a few days, the 2026 hurricane season will be upon us. By now, every Jamaican should fully understand the importance of preparation. Use this Labour Day to inspect your home and surroundings, identify threats to your property, community, infrastructure and personal safety. Check your emergency supplies, service and refuel your generators, inspect your roof and make the repairs you can afford, trim trees that threaten your home, clear blocked drains and culverts near your property. Let this Labour Day be the beginning of your hurricane preparedness," he urged.

Dr. Holness also used the message to press for a more productive, orderly and effective Jamaica, saying lasting wage growth has to be matched by improved output and better national performance.

"Far too long, some have remained trapped in outdated thinking, believing that prosperity can come without production or that effort is exploitation. And there are others who are comfortable only with paper, procedure and obstruction - quick to criticise, slow to create an unwilling to take responsibility for building value. That mindset cannot build a modern Jamaica," he argued.